Queen Victoria Building Sydney
The Queen Victoria Building is possibly the most beautiful shopping centre in the world.
The magnificent Queen Victoria Building, or QVB for short, is an architectural delight that should not be missed during you visit to Sydney. It is definitely one of the most beautiful shopping centres in the world and stunning to say the least. The QVB was completed in 1898 in the midst of a severe recession. The intricate Romanesque architecture topped with a centre dome required the employment many skilled craftsmen who would otherwise have been out of work during this difficult time.
When it first opened the QVB housed a concert hall, offices, warehouse space and shop space for many different services and tradespeople. Eventually the Concert Hall was replaced by the City Library and then, after a major retrofit in the 1930's, Sydney's City Council became the primary tenant.
The building gradually became run down again over the years and there was even some consideration of demolition. Fortunately, through a partnership agreement the building was painstakingly restored again between 1984 and 1986 followed by another refurbishing in 2009 for a total investment of $134 million.
The Queen Victoria Building now has many boutique shops and services throughout it's 4 levels. Outside the south end of the building the Bicentennial Plaza features a statue of Queen Victoria and the Royal Wishing Well which raises funds to benefit children who are deaf or blind.
There are many more interesting features and details in this incredible and beautifully detailed building - too many to mention here. This is one shopping centre where you may want to bring your camera.
Nearby attractions: Sydney Tower, Pitt Street Mall, Sydney Town Hall, Saint Andrew's Cathedral and Hyde Park.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoQueen Victoria Building Sydney Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: 455 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Phone: (02) 9265 6800
Official Website: Queen Victoria Building Sydney
Queen Victoria Building Sydney Reviews
Rated out of 5
Great place for shoppers in a very old building, been reconstruct into shopping mall with lots of restaurants and retail. The stained glass around the mall is very beautiful, reflect back on the European style building. The street and mall is so busy during the peak hour!
Teng K.H. [simone food.channel] - a month ago
I’ve been to the Queen Victoria Building many times, and it still holds up every visit. The architecture is thoughtful, detailed, and full of character. You notice something new each time, whether it’s the mosaic tiles or the arches overhead.
The atmosphere is calm, not chaotic. It’s got a steady pace to it. A mix of locals and visitors, but never too loud. Just good energy.
It’s one of those places in Sydney that blends old-world charm with everyday life. Easy to walk through, easy to appreciate. I think it’s one of the city’s more underrated spaces.
Javed - a month ago
Nice shopping mall. You can't feel it from the outside. You need to get in. Lots of luxury spa outlets in the ground floor. Two pianos in the first floor if anyone would like to play. Lots of cafes. I found a nice tea cafe in the first floor. Hard to find a tea cafe in Sydney. I'm sure they are setup for high tea by the looks of it. Lots of retail options. So pay a visit to this building if you have time to walk around this nice place when you are in the city.
Hiran Jayasekera - 2 months ago
Beautiful preserved history, with a modern interface. You can see the old-world charm shine through. Multi-level shops for every taste and budget. Below-ground access to Town Hall Station.
Tony Wenz - a month ago
Beautiful mall right in the middle of Sydney downtown. You can reach via tram or train or bus. Always crowded with visitors and locals. The shop above ground are more high end, whereas those at the basement have budget store and food whereby you can shop and eat. The piano in the middle of the mall is very well utilise by pianist and you can really enjoy yourself here. The chocolate shop at the entrance is a famous chocolate from Australia.
Vincent Khoo - a month ago
Directions
| Train Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Light Rail L2 | QVB | 1 minute |
| T1, T2, T3 or T4 | Town Hall | 1 minute |
| T2, T3, or T8 | St. James | 3 minutes |
How to get to Queen Victoria Building Sydney by Train
By Light Rail L2: Exit at QVB which is right across the raod from the Queen Victoria Building.
By Train:Town Hall Station has a direct underground passage to the QVB (1 minute) or Exit St. James Station onto Elizabeth Street and cross over and continue west on Market Street (3 minutes).
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Queen Victoria Building Sydney:
Photo Gallery
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Beautiful arches and stained glass windows inside the Queen Victoria Building cc licensed photo by Cliffano -
Amazing interior of the Queen Victoria Building cc licensed photo by eGuide Travel -
Photo Credit: Bernard Spragg - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Nicolas Solop - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Bernard Spragg - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jorge Lascar - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Bernard Spragg - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: MARKD-PHOTOS - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: mertie. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Sidneiensis - cc license via Flickr
